Spain reaches Billie Jean King Cup semifinal with thrilling win over Kazakhstan
Spain defeated Kazakhstan 2-1 in the Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinals to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2008. The victory was secured in a decisive doubles match after a marathon day for player Cristina Bucsa.
Why it matters
This represents a significant milestone for the Spanish national tennis team in a major international competition.
Hear this story Spaniard Cristina Bucsa's marathon day at the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup on Wednesday, Sept. 23, resulted in Spain defeating Kazakhstan, 2-1, in the quarterfinal to advance to the semifinal for the first time since 2008.
After Bucsa dropped her singles match against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva in the quarterfinal duel, Bucsa had to quickly regroup for a decisive doubles match with partner Sara Sorribes Tormo against Kazakhstan's Anna Danilina and Zhibek Kulambayeva.
"I talked to (Bucsa) and I asked her if she's available (to) play the doubles and she said, 'Yeah, I can play. I feel tired, but I'll go with all my energy," captain Carla Suarez Navarro said after the win. "Nothing is easy here, but I'm happy for Jessica (Bouzas Maneiro). I'm happy for Sara (Sorribes Tormo) and Cristina (Bucsa).
"But I'm really happy to be in the semifinals. ... Our moment is now."
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